2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Biodefense, MS


Banner Code:  LA-MS-BIOD

Web: pia.gmu.edu

The master’s degree in biodefense prepares students to become the next generation of biodefense and biosecurity professionals and scholars. This program provides students with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology combined with a broader security and organizational context.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the MS in biodefense, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements


Students are strongly encouraged to take the core courses as early as possible because they provide the foundation for the rest of the program. The schedule of courses that students plan on taking should be approved in an education plan designed by the students and their advisor during the student’s first semester. Students must receive the permission of their advisor to take courses outside of the Biodefense Program.

Four to five elective courses (12-15 credits)


Students who choose to complete a thesis have 12 credits of electives. Students who choose to complete a project have 15 credits of electives. All students may choose electives from the full range of courses offered or focus 12 credits of electives in one of the concentrations below. At least 9 credits of electives must be in biodefense; the remaining credits (3-6) may be from outside biodefense with prior written approval of the director.

3 credits of project or 6 credits of thesis


Students must demonstrate the ability to conduct original, independent research by completing a research project or a thesis. The objectives of both the research project and thesis are to serve as a capstone for the student’s graduate education and to demonstrate the student’s research, analytical, and writing skills. Both options require the student to produce a substantial and original contribution to the fields of biodefense or biosecurity on the model of a paper suitable for presentation at a scholarly conference or an article in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.

Students should be aware of the university policies governing theses. They must follow the thesis enrollment policy and, once enrolled in BIOD 799, maintain continuous enrollment. These policies are specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.

Total: 36 credits


Concentrations


Students have the option of applying 12 credits of electives to complete one of the concentrations below.